The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has officially released the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) timetable.

KNEC CEO David Njeng’ere said the timetable was released early to allow schools to prepare candidates adequately.

According to the timetable, exams will begin on October 21, 2025, and conclude on November 21, 2025 with rehearsals set to start on October 17, 2025.

Learners will start with oral examinations for subjects including French, German, Kenyan Sign Language (Practical Signing Skills), Music, and Arabic on October 21, 2025.

This will be followed by Practical examinations for subjects such as Home Science, Art and Design, Woodwork, and Metalwork, from October 22 to October 31.

Theory examinations will begin on November 3, starting with English and Chemistry. On November 4, students will sit for their mathematics examinations and English Literature.

The second Chemistry paper will be taken on Wednesday, November 5, covering the morning session, followed by the English essay (composition) in the afternoon session.

Education and career profile of Basic Education PS Belio Kipsang

This will be followed by Kiswahili (Lugha) on Thursday, November 6, in the morning session and  Kiswahili (Fasihi) paper in the afternoon.

The second week of the examinations will commence with Christian Religious Education on November 11, followed by Biology Paper 1 in the afternoon.

Biology Paper 2 will be the first paper on Thursday, November 13, followed by History and Government. Biology students will then sit for their practicals on November 14.

The final week will begin with Geography Paper 1 in the morning, followed by Physics Paper 1 in the afternoon. Business Studies Paper 1 will be taken on the second day alongside Agriculture.

Business studies paper 2 and Agriculture paper 2 will follow on Thursday, November 20. The examinations will conclude on Friday, November 21, with students sitting for Physics Paper practicals.

KNEC urged candidates to manage their time wisely and avoid spending too much time on one question.

“The time allowed for each paper is stated against the name of the paper, and no extra time will be granted. In case of any discrepancy, the time stated on the question paper should be taken as the correct one. The time allocated for reading through questions is included in the duration shown on the question paper, except where special instructions specify otherwise,” Knec said.

Unauthorised materials, including books, notes, and electronic devices such as cell phones, are also not allowed in the examination room.